Authors – Ryan Miller & Vedika Jogani
Ryan Miller is OMP’s Head of Content and an award-winning content creator.
Vedika Jogani is OMP’s Product and Content Manager, and a graduate from Ithaca College with a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science, specializing in Mental Performance.
This past week we’ve seen two incredible clutch moments in sport.
In the NFL Washington Commanders Rookie Jayden Daniels threw a 52-yard Hail Mary pass to lead his side to victory over the Chicago Bears, while LA’s Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off Grand Slam to claim game one of the World Series over New York.
These are both awesome athletic moments that happened under tremendous pressure.
For Daniels if his pass didn’t reach Noah Brown the Commanders would have lost.
If Freeman struck out or hit a fly ball straight to a fielder, the Dodgers would have gone behind in the series.
So, how do athletes at any level cope with this pressure and execute their skills with excellence?
Here are three things that athletes can do right now to ensure they’re mentally ready for when the clutch moments come:
1. Visualization of Past Success
Before game day, athletes visualize the exact scenarios they’ll face. By mentally rehearsing key plays under pressure, they prime their minds and bodies to respond calmly in real situations. They’ve “seen” themselves succeed, which reduces nerves and boosts confidence. Believing you’ve done it before can help you realize that you can do it again, no matter the situation.
2. Breathing for Focus
Deep breathing exercises calm the body and sharpen focus.
In tense moments, athletes who use breath control can mentally reset and avoid distractions. Focused breathing signals to the brain that it’s safe to relax, allowing them to approach each play with clarity.
3. Self-Talk and Reframing Pressure
The phrase “Pressure is a Privilege” holds true. How an athlete interprets high-pressure moments can significantly impact performance.
Replacing negative thoughts with constructive self-talk like “I’ve done this a hundred times before” or “I’m prepared” helps reframe pressure as an opportunity. This confidence-oriented mindset can be the difference between a fumble and a triumph.
You can learn more about Visualization, Breathing Exercises and Self-Talk in the Optimize Mind Performance App.
